Mega Roundup of DIY Play Store Inspiration

Play kitchens are one of the most popular big holiday gifts for toddlers and preschoolers, but if you think your kids might have more of an entrepreneurial bent than a domestic one, a play store may be in order. They're a great source of open-ended, imaginative play and will be the focus of any play dates you host. Although they can be quite simple to make, I'd suggest you get started planning now. I've amassed plenty of handmade play stores for you to peruse as well as tutorials to make some of the components.

Most of the play stores I came across are grocery-themed but the possibilities are endless: bakery, ice cream shop, florist, book store, etc. As you can see from many of these shops, you don't have to spend hours and hours handstitching play food (unless you want to!) or buying it either. Start saving up empty boxes and tins from your own kitchen to repurpose: easy and free.

Some of these play stores are quite elaborate, but yours can be as simple as a few shelves with baskets of things to sell and some paper play money. Start simple and add to it over time, perhaps buy (or make) a cash register for your child's birthday. Or add different kinds of play food or goods over time. If you do want to try your hand at sewing play food, check out our Gigantic List of Felt Food Tutorials.